The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) convened its annual Youth Forum – a global platform where young people, Member States, the UN system, and other partners exchange ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and strengthen youth engagement in accelerating progress on the SDGs. Among other topics, participants discussed youth’s critical role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

The three-day event took place under the theme of the 2026 sessions of the Council and the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), ‘Transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for a sustainable future for all.’ Young people offered their perspectives on how to accelerate the implementation of the Goals undergoing in-depth review at HLPF 2026 in July – SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals).

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Opening the forum, ECOSOC President Lok Bahadur Thapa said geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic uncertainty, widening inequalities, technological disruption, and digital divides are reshaping societies and testing people’s resolve to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. He identified youth “not only as those most affected, but also as indispensable agents of change,” calling for youth’s meaningful participation, engagement, and influence in policymaking and governance at all levels.

Addressing participants, UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Annalena Baerbock highlighted the Youth Forum as “a test of whether we are truly ready to act.” She shared three key messages, urging: delegates and Permanent Representatives in New York to follow through on their commitments reflected in the Pact for the Future; ministers and representatives from capitals to move the discussions to the national and regional context; and young people and young leaders to keep pushing boundaries.

Forum discussions focused on youth driving change in least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), small island developing States (SIDS), and marginalized communities. Regional breakout sessions identified region-specific challenges and opportunities for youth engagement in sustainable development. Participants also highlighted youth mental health and well-being as a foundation for sustainable development.

The Forum, convened by the ECOSOC President from 14-16 April 2026, was co-organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and the UN Youth Office, in collaboration with UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development (IANYD). The Forum was co-convened by the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) and the International Coordination Meeting of Youth Organizations (ICMYO), with technical input from youth organizations relevant to the theme of the forum. [ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026 Concept Note] [UN News Story]